The Ministry of Culture has introduced the Global Engagement Scheme (GES) aimed at elevating India’s cultural heritage on international platforms. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, made this announcement in a written response to the Lok Sabha. The initiative seeks to facilitate performances by Indian artists abroad, thereby enhancing cultural exchanges.

As part of the GES, the Ministry has enrolled artists and performance groups across a variety of art forms to participate in the Festival of India (FoIs) scheduled for international locations. Currently, 627 artists and groups have been empaneled, which includes 31 representatives from Uttar Pradesh. This diverse representation underscores the Ministry’s commitment to showcasing regional talents on a global stage.

Funding Allocations for Cultural Outreach

For the financial year 2025-26, a funding amount of Rs. 2.58 crore has been allocated to the Indo-Foreign Friendship Societies through Indian Missions abroad. This allocation is specifically targeted at promoting India’s arts and culture globally. The financial support is part of a broader strategy to enhance cultural representation and engagement with foreign audiences.

Selection Criteria for Artists

The selection process for artists and groups under the GES is rigorous. It includes criteria such as existing performances at the State, National, or international levels, as well as the artist’s capability to articulate their art form to a diverse audience. For specific curated exhibitions, only those in Category VII will be considered. Additionally, foreign nationals seeking empanelment must possess an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which operates under the Ministry of External Affairs, plays a crucial role in sponsoring cultural performances abroad. Over the past five years, ICCR has sent 52 folk art troupes on international tours, providing a platform for various art forms. These sponsorships are guided by recommendations from Indian Missions and Cultural Centres, reflecting the local cultural preferences and demands in different countries.

Annual Cultural Themes and Focus Areas

Each year, the ICCR formulates an Annual Plan of Action that prioritizes the promotion of lesser-known arts and artists, particularly those from rural and remote regions. For the current year, the overarching theme for cultural promotion abroad has been chosen as “Connecting the World through Tribal, Folk and Rare Indigenous Arts,” highlighting a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in cultural representations.

To ensure the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy efforts, the ICCR has established mechanisms for feedback and monitoring. This includes partnerships with State Governments through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at sustaining the promotion of India’s rich variety of folk traditions. This structured approach is intended to maximize the impact and reach of Indian cultural troupes on the global stage.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share